“La Mere” and “Le Fils,” starring Mayumi Wakamura, Keito Okamoto, Kenichi Okamoto, and others, will be performed simultaneously from April to June.
“La Mere” and “Le Fils” are plays by French playwright Florian Zeller. Together with “Le Pere Father,” these two plays form Zeller’s “family trilogy.”
“La Mere” is set to grace the stage for the very first time in Japan, while “Le Fils” will captivate the audience once again after its last stunning performance in 2021.
Having previously appeared in the renowned productions “Le Pere” and “Le Fils,” this time Mayumi will star in the upcoming performance of “La Mere” with great confidence and skill.
Summary of “La Mere“
Anne loved the time in her life when she prepared breakfast each morning for her two young children. Years later, spending hours alone, Anne convinces herself that her husband is having an affair. If only her son were to break-up with his girlfriend. He would return home and come down for breakfast. She would put on her new red dress and they would go out. (concord theatricals)
Keito Okamoto, who starred in “Le Fils” in 2021 alongside his real father Kenichi Okamoto, is poised to make a return in the 2024 edition of “Le Fils.” It is noteworthy that Keito will be appearing in both “La Mere” and reprising his role in “Le Fils.” This is undoubtedly significant and joyful for his fans!
Summary of “Le Fils“
Nicolas, just two years ago a smiling boy, is going through a difficult phase after his parents’ divorce. He’s listless, skipping classes, lying.
He believes moving in with his father and his new family may help. And a different school, a fresh start. When he doesn’t feel comfortable there, when he senses he isn’t wanted, he decides that going back to his mother’s may be the answer.
But at some point, options are going to dry up. And then what? “I’m telling you. I don’t understand what’s happening to me”. (concord theatricals)
Comment by Keito Okamoto
I can still hear the words of a friend of mine who came to see the first performance of “Le Fils.“
“Thank you for performing this play. I’m really glad I got to see it. It saved my life.”
When I heard these words, tears instantly flowed. I felt as if my life had been rewarded. I also became newly aware of myself as an actor, and I earnestly thought, “I will continue to go on with my life” so that everyone who comes to the stage will feel “something” from my performance.
I was truly delighted when I heard that “Le Fils” was to be performed again and “La Mere” was to be performed simultaneously. But now, I am driven by a sense of mission as an actor.
In order to save as many people as possible, I will continue to rehearse with my trusted cast and crew and look forward to the day when I can deliver Florian Zeller‘s two works to you.
Comment by Kenichi Okamoto
“Le Fils” will be performed again.
The tremendous pain and helpless sorrow I felt when I read the script for the first time in 2021 became more and more realized daily as I rehearsed with the director, actors, and staff I trusted. I remember being so drawn into the story at the theater that I did not know whether I was performing or not, only the fact that I existed. I honestly felt that I did not want to experience such a painful experience again.
However, I also realize how important it is for more and more people to see this story of a father and son.
The world depicted in the new work “La Mere,” which will be performed simultaneously, is a world where love begins. After many years, before you know it, love overflows, flowing in all directions. It’s a world of how to accept those feelings, how to spend the fading time, and how to let the endless love wander and circle everywhere. It is a work of art.
I look forward to the unpredictable emotions that will arise during the upcoming rehearsals.
I am convinced that these two special works will be tremendous works that will shake the emotions of those who see them, and I sincerely hope that you will see and feel them at the theater.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the theater.
“La Mere” will be performed at Theatre East, Tokyo, from April 5 to 29, and “Le Fils” will be performed at Theatre West, Tokyo from April 9 to 30, followed by performances throughout Japan.